Two people - identified only by their red and blue sneakers - explore a haunted house. As the two escape from the house 'where the scary things hide,' the reader sees a line of people waiting to enter the Halloween House, eager to be scared. The feet are found to belong to a father and daughter. For those who half hope and half fear that spooks prowl the premises on Halloween.

Invitingly scary, this Halloween romp follows the sneaker-clad footsteps of two children as they make their way through a haunted house. Showing only their feet entering or leaving the rooms heightens the atmosphere of suspense. The horrors of each room are briefly but chillingly described, while the scratchy pencil and watercolor illustrations invite close scrutiny. Carefully placed clues belie the house's sinister atmosphere, but not all of the creatures can be explained away, giving the story a pleasing ambiguity. The younger child appears less frightened than the older, who pleads: `I know you're not frightened, but still . . . we could go. No one would notice.No,' you say? `No'?'' Children will enjoy the upbeat ending, as little sister drags her reluctant brother back for another house tour. A spooky bit of fun for Halloween storytimes. --Ruth Smith, Chicago Public Library